The big news today is µTorrent Plus. Before we get into the details, we first want to sincerely thank all of the people who downloaded our alpha and beta test versions. Your feedback has been incredibly valuable, and we sincerely appreciate the help.µTorrent Plus enhances the original tiny-but-mighty client with select new features to make your experience more convenient and secure. One such feature is integrated antivirus from BitDefender, which automatically scans your torrents so you know they’re safer. Another is a drag-and-drop file convertor that lets you move your torrent content onto devices such as TVs, smartphones and tablets.  And there’s more (read on).“Our goal was to enhance µTorrent to be a powerful tool that lets you free your personal content from the PC,” said Jordy Berson, director of product management for µTorrent. “Plus adds key features needed to accomplish this, and then adds security to keep you safer.”µTorrent Plus is $24.95 and comes packed with rich features including:

• File conversion: Transcode downloaded files right within the µTorrent Plus software. Initial supported codecs include: MPEG-4, H.264, Theora, and VP8 video codecs; MP3, AAC and AC-3 audio codecs. With these codecs, µTorrent Plus enable users to convert files and shift them easily to Apple, Android, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 devices.
• Antivirus: Powered by BitDefender, the built-in antivirus automatically scans downloaded files for hidden viruses and malware and handles any detected infections.
• Integrated HD media player: Download a file and play it immediately in standard definition or high-definition, within the µTorrent software.
• Remote downloading: µTorrent Plus users will unlock a new feature in the popular µTorrent Remote Web service. In addition to nearly full remote control of their home torrent client through any supported browser, µTorrent Plus users will also have the ability to download files from their home torrent library to the remote computer.

Berson continues, “At the core of µTorrent Plus is always the foundation: µTorrent. We are just as enthusiastic as ever about developing and growing the free software as well as building upon µTorrent Plus.”

That leads to the next bit of news – µTorrent 3.1 (free) has just been released! Check it out – it now has an integrated media player and drag-and-drop file shifting to other devices. We also optimized client performance etc.

Lastly, for those of you who use BitTorrent Mainline, we have two surprises. 1. Plus is available for you too. A new version of BitTorrent Plus was just released, adding all the new features found in µTorrent Plus listed above. Check it out here. 2. BitTorrent Mainline 7.6 (free) also just launched! As with the new µTorrent 3.1 client, it also adds an integrated media player and drag-and-drop file shifting to other devices. Download it here now.

A press release with additional details is available here.